The Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) implemented significant changes to the sport in the upcoming Olympics. For the first time they've allowed professional boxers to compete within the amateur ranks.
As the news surfaced, former pro-world champions Amir Khan, Manny Pacquiao and Wladimir Klitschko all expressed an interest before governing bodies imposed a potential banning order. The decision came under intense scrutiny for letting an experienced fighter inside a ring with a novice.
Though, experts withing the boxing circles claimed the reverse. Barry McGuigan actually claimed that pro's would need to change their strategy in order to deal with a shorter time frame.
Advert
It seems his thinking is true.
As Serbian pro Geard Ajetovic, 35, crashed out of the opening round of a qualification to 23-year-old Dominican amateur Raul Sanchez, who floored him twice en route to a comfortable win. It's a collective win for amateur fighters who could possibly lose out on a coveted Olympic spot.
Some other noticeably pro's who are bidding to earn a place in Rio is former world middleweight challenger Hassan N'Dam, and ex-IBF flyweight champion Amnat Ruenroeng.